For the last year and a half Angie Sanders has served Oak Tree Community Church as our church secretary and my personal assistant – first as a volunteer, then as paid staff.
As she left work today, our goodbyes to each other were a little different as it was her last day in that position. After months of discussion with her husband, me, and others, Angie decided that she needed to step out of this role.
I’ve written before about my personality type (I’m an INTJ, if you want to know the details), but since that is a part of the message for this Sunday at Oak Tree Community Church, I thought I’d bring it up again.
These next three weeks are full of birthdays in my family. Within a span of 21 days, we’ll celebrate six of them (not including Saralynn’s side of the family). It started this past Sunday with my mom’s. The end of October will have a brother- and sister-in-law’s. The first week of November includes my dad’s, my wife’s, and mine. (Hope I didn’t forget anybody!)
In thinking about my mom’s birthday this weekend specifically, I wondered what they imagined this part of their lives would look like when they celebrated their birthdays together for the first time, almost 40 years ago.
I have tried to make it a habit to say “thanks” or “thank you” at the end of most conversations. The downside to a habit is that it’s a habit – that is, you can do it without thinking about it.
There are times when that is true of my “thanks”. I’ve said it so often that it comes out without effort. And that’s good and bad. Obviously, it’s good because Christians are to “give thanks in everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). But it’s bad when we stop thinking about who we are thanking and why.
So, let me put a few intentional, thought-through “thanks” out there today.
Thanks, Saralynn, for being my wife for nearly 13 years now. I love you more than I can put into words. I can’t wait to see what the next 57 years bring. :)
Thanks, Nathan, Micah, David, and Rachael, for genuinely loving your dad who fails frequently and (usually) trying to do what pleases me. I wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world.
Thanks, Dad and Mom, for sacrificing a lot of things we could have had (even more than we did) in order to ensure for us a solid biblical foundation in a good church and school. The things people notice about me most are the direct result of what they never noticed – and even criticized – about you.
Thanks, Oak Tree Community Church, for allowing me to find, develop, and exercise my gifts and talents, even if it means you feel like guinea pigs sometimes as we try new things. Thanks for your love for God and other people. It’s a privilege to serve you.
Thanks, OTCC leaders, for everything you do that the rest of the church will never see. I see, and God sees. I know you will be rewarded for your faithfulness. It’s a privilege to serve alongside you.
OK, your turn. Who are you thankful for this year?
